engine leaks

  • chiaronate
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engine leaks

06 Sep 2013 14:31
#605210
I recently bought a kz1100 with an oil leak, thinking I could just have the leak fixed. A few mechanics told me that because of the design of the motor, any fix would be temporary because it would soon leak again. Is there a permanent fix for this?
1982 Kawasaki KZ1100 Spectre

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  • geerbangr
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Re: engine leaks

06 Sep 2013 14:44
#605213
Where exactly is the leak coming from ? I built an 1100 several years ago and never had leak issues. Unless it has been extremely modified I wouldn't think the leak would be reoccurring after resealing. Feed us some more info.
1978 KZ 1000


I go by Jason

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  • chiaronate
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Re: engine leaks

06 Sep 2013 14:49
#605216
Thanks for replying so soon, a mechanic I talked to seems to think it's from the cam chain. His explanation was the valve cover gasket doesn't have a hole there. Another mechanic at a different shop said he used to have a similar bike, and it leaked within a year of fixing it. He said that's just the way these motors are.
1982 Kawasaki KZ1100 Spectre

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  • 650ed
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Re: engine leaks

06 Sep 2013 14:54
#605219
These bike are very oil tight, so it shouldn't leak. Here's my recommendation - clean the entire area everywhere near the leak squeaky clean. Then ride the bike a few miles and check to see if it's leaking. Take you camera with you and take some pictures of the leak so we can see the source. Post he pictures and someone here will very likely be able to tell you the probable cause. Ed
1977 KZ650-C1 Original Owner - Stock (with additional invisible FIAMM horn)

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  • chiaronate
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Re: engine leaks

06 Sep 2013 14:57
#605223
OK thanks Ed, I'll get some degreaser and clean it..I've been meaning to do that anyhow.
1982 Kawasaki KZ1100 Spectre

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  • 4TheKZ1000
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Re: engine leaks

06 Sep 2013 15:21
#605227
get some good pictures posted of the problem areas.

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  • chiaronate
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Re: engine leaks

06 Sep 2013 15:32
#605228
I just finished de-greasing, but it may be hard to see where the leaks are coming from by the pictures. The guy I bought the bike from painted the gold engine areas black. I really wish people wouldn't cob things like that, I like things to be original. I'll go for a ride now and take pictures after.
1982 Kawasaki KZ1100 Spectre

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  • chiaronate
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Re: engine leaks

06 Sep 2013 16:49
#605241
OK I went for a 15 or 20 minute ride, the only liquid I could see is at the center of each side of the motor. Does that make any sense?

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1982 Kawasaki KZ1100 Spectre

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  • chiaronate
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Re: engine leaks

06 Sep 2013 16:53
#605243
I also took some more pictures while I was doing that, because we all like pictures.
1982 Kawasaki KZ1100 Spectre

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  • gwolever
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Re: engine leaks

06 Sep 2013 20:03
#605265
Not sure exactly where the leak is but in pictures it sorta looks like it's from head gasket. Not sure though from the pics.
1982 KZ1000 CSR

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  • chiaronate
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Re: engine leaks

06 Sep 2013 20:07
#605266
That's what I was thinking, is that a big deal to have done?
1982 Kawasaki KZ1100 Spectre

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  • koolaid_kid
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Re: engine leaks

06 Sep 2013 21:01
#605273
First, the easiest way to pinpoint an oil leak is to clean the area throroughly and then dust the area with talcum powder (baby powder, foot powder).
Second, paying someone to replace the head gasket is easy but expensive for you.
Replacing it yourself is more difficult and about one fifth the price.
1983 GPz 750
810 Wiseco, Kerker, K&N, DynoJet S3, Accel, Progressive, etc.

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